347-7GO-9ERS

Before Bill Walsh came along, the greatest 49er coach had been Red Hickey.  Sure, Dick Nolan experienced some success, but Red put the 49ers on the map.  He made them something to talk about in the days of Y.A. Tittle and the Alley-Oop pass to R.C. Owens.  He invented the shotgun formation.  After Bill Walsh, however, every other 49er coach is inevitably compared to him, and always will be.  He was, if not the greatest, one of the greatest coaches of the modern era, and his influence not only affected the 49ers for years after his departure, but the entire league.

Only two owner/coach combinations compare to Bill Walsh and Eddie DeBartolo, Jr.  Those are Jerry Jones with Jimmy Johnson, and Robert Kraft with Bill Bellichick.  This last pair is the only one to truly achieve something akin to Dynasty in the age of the Salary Cap and modern Free Agency.  It remains to be seen how that influence affects the Patriots franchise once Bill Bellichick retires.  The parity of today’s NFL has ensured a more competitive balance across the league.  Teams now rise and fall on a more cyclical basis, and this is a strength of the NFL from top to bottom.

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I have lately been lamenting the fact that too many preseason publications were picking the 49ers to win the NFC West.  Not because I agree with them, but because I don’t want the team’s chances jinxed.  2007 was supposed to be the year that Mike Nolan’s team took that next step forward from 7-9 to 9-7 and contend for the division.  Then disaster struck, the only silver lining being a  fantastic rookie campagin by #10 pick Patrick Willis, and a solid outing by #29 pick Joe Staley.

Now we are in 2010.  Alex Smith is experiencing renewed confidence, his offensive coordinator actually stuck around, and the team has continued to add weapons via the draft, as well as shoring up a struggling offensive line.  Once again, preseason prognosticators are declaring this the year of the 49ers.

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I had every intention of releasing this yesterday, that’s why you’ll find the date saying the 14th.  I ran into some trouble with another file I was uploading, so this one was delayed.

In this episode, discussing some of the latest news, what offensive philosophy the 49ers will utilize, how does Smith compare to Derek Anderson, and other various stuff.

 

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During the early portions of the 2007 campaign, KNBR radio host Ralph Barbieri was often heard exclaiming, “Free Alex!”  Barbieri saw what the rest of fans saw in the Monday Night opener against Arizona, the Week Three matchup in Pittsburgh, and even multiple games from last season.  When time was of the essence, Alex Smith could move the ball.  Whether it was running the two-minute drill or running with his legs, they were able to move the ball.  Most of the time the playcalling of Jim Hostler, restrained by the take-no-risks approach of Mike Nolan, kept the 49ers from gaining any reward in the scoring department.

In 2009, an offense was installed that played more to the strengths of Shaun Hill.  The trouble was, when it came time to move the ball downfield quickly, Hill’s limitations were clear. The offensive line lacked the ability to push the other team off the ball with any level of consistency.  Unable to force the defense to respect the run, the 49ers often found themselves playing catch-up.  In games like the ones versus Atlanta and the first half versus Houston, it became clear that a change was needed.

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Talking about the offseason, looking forward to Training Camp.

 

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Discussing the 49ers picks in the 2010 NFL Draft, and a bit of your feedback!

 

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Update: In an odd twist of fate, Fooch over at Niners Nation just posted an article on the same subject, and even quoted me from Twitter!  Thanks, Fooch!

The 49ers are going to go get Michael Vick.  They’re going after Ben Roethlisberger.  They’re going after Donovan McNabb, Jason Campbell and Jeff Garcia.  They’re going to draft Tim Tebow because he and Singletary are tight with Jesus.  They’re going to draft Jimmy Clausen if he drops to 17.  No, wait.  They’re going to draft him if he drops to 49.  Oh darn.  He’s gone at 48.  Well they would have drafted him.  “Sources” say it’s true.  They’re going to draft Colt McCoy.  No, Tony Pike.  Wait, wait, wait….  Now they can bring in JaMarcus Russell because Singletary loves his “project” players.

Nope.  Now they’re going for Michael Vick again.

This is what the media has reduced itself to: a body invested in the 49ers making every quarterback move in the NFL, without first judging whether or not it’s the right move.  Has anyone else found this disturbing?  Now I know the fan who has given up on Alex Smith’s future probably is right there with the media, assuming every potential move is true, and assuming every potential move is the right one to make.

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Hey guys, this year I’m going to blog as the draft happens.  As each team picks I’ll try to provide some running commentary with my thoughts on developments, and you guys can comment as you see fit.

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It doesn’t look like anything else exciting is going to happen here in the 1st round, so I’m going to sign off for the night.  Can’t wait to hear what you guys have to say!

10:23 pm I’m not entirely down on Tebow.  He has done a great job changing up his mechanics.  The only thing lacking for him is experience in an NFL system, and he needs that before he becomes a starter.  High risk/reward here.

10:20 pm #26 Cardinals – Dan Williams, DT Tennessee

The NFC West continues to fare very well in this year’s draft.

10:09 pm #25 Broncos – Tim Tebow, QB Florida

Really?  You move all over the board just to take Tim Tebow?  With… ahem… Jimmy Clausen still on the board?!?!?!  Josh McDaniels’ first sign of failure in Denver is right here, I’m afraid.  Unless Tebow really surprises.

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Talking about the McNabb trade and how that might affect the 49ers draft, the Ted Ginn, Jr. trade and what that means for the 49ers offense and return game, and what kind of draft I see the 49ers having.  Call the voicemail line at 206-666-2826, or email the show at 49ersfancast@gmail.com.

 

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Discussing the interest in Donovan McNabb, comparisons of Alex Smith to Jason Campbell, and what are the players saying after two days of OTA’s?

 

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